Readings for Monday July 19, 2010
First Reading: Micah 6:1-4, 6-8
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Gospel: Matthew 12:38-42
With what shall I come before the LORD, and bow before God most high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, with myriad streams of oil? Shall I give my first-born for my crime, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the LORD requires of you: Only to do the right and to love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God. (Mi. 6:6-8)
Christmas, birthdays, anniversaries; these are typically times where we buy people gifts for those special occasions. During these times of gift giving, most of us are presented with the difficult task of buying a gift for someone who really doesn't need anything. We all have those people, who every year for either Christmas or their birthday, we struggle with what to get that person. We think about a new gadget, but then ask would they even use it? We think about clothes, but then remember that for the past five years we have been buying them sweaters ... interestingly that you have never seen them wear. You consider a gift card, but don't like how impersonal it is. And so it goes on and on, and we go crazy and become consumed with what to buy the person who doesn't need anything.
God is kind of like that person who doesn't need anything. Sometimes we try very hard to think of what will please God the most. So we try and give some money to the parish or the poor. We volunteer for various ministries. We show up to mass every Sunday dressed nicely and on time. Now, don't get me wrong, these are all wonderful things, and we should be trying to do all of them, but while doing these things, we cannot lose our focus of what the most important thing is ... to know God personally. We can spend lots of time trying to do things, but doing all of these things will mean nothing if we do now know God and if we are not doing them out of love for God.
The prophet Micah today has great words of wisdom for those only seeking to do something: "You have been told, O man, what is good, and what the Lord requires of you: Only to do the right and love goodness, and to walk humbly with your God." The people of the old testament became so consumed with what to do for God, what to sacrifice, that they completely forgot and lost sight of their love for Him, their relationship with Him. As we all know, a relationship will not last if the people involved do not spend time just being with each other. It is the same for our relationship with God, if we are to have a good, thriving relationship with Him, then we need to spend time with Him; to walk humbly with our God.
In the midst of our busyness, may we never lose sight of what should be the most important thing in our lives ... our Lord.
Father above, we thank you and give you praise. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with, thank you for all that you give to us. Lord, thank you for the gift of our lives, help us to be good stewards of the gifts that you give to us. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us never to veer from your path. Lord, increase our faith, so that we may cling to you and walk closer by you, as a child does with their parent. We pray for all of those in need of conversion, may they be brought into your loving arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7.19.2010
7.16.2010
He Desires Mercy
Readings for Friday July 16, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 38:10,11,12,16
Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8
Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath." He said to the them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." (Mt 12:1-8)
"I desire mercy, not sacrifice." These are some of the words that Jesus uses to justify His disciples behavior. It was clear that the Pharisees were not too interested in having mercy on a bunch of hungry men, instead they were only out to uphold their version of the sabbath. Jesus points out that they are quick to condemn, and instead they need to be quick with mercy.
We must remember that love is the greatest of all virtues, it should be the paradigm of which we work out of. If the Pharisees had been working with the mindset of love, then they would have had mercy for the disciples; and we can bet that a whole lot of other things would not have happened as well. Because their hearts were closed off to love they were not able to have mercy, nor were they able to recognize that God, who is love, is right before them.
We are here on this earth to love and be loved, that is our purpose. While there is nothing wrong with sacrifice (Lord knows we could all stand to do a little more of it), it cannot supersede love and mercy.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all of your blessings in our lives. We were created by you and for you, help us to always recognize our need for you. Help us to always remember that everything we have is yours, help us to be good stewards of this life that you give us. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 38:1-6,21-22,7-8
Responsorial Psalm: Isaiah 38:10,11,12,16
Gospel: Matthew 12:1-8
Jesus was going through a field of grain on the sabbath. His disciples were hungry and began to pick the heads of grain and eat them. When the Pharisees saw this, they said to him, "See, your disciples are doing what is unlawful to do on the sabbath." He said to the them, "Have you not read what David did when he and his companions were hungry, how he went into the house of God and ate the bread of offering, which neither he nor his companions but only the priests could lawfully eat? Or have you not read in the law that on the sabbath the priests serving in the temple violate the sabbath and are innocent? I say to you, something greater than the temple is here. If you knew what this meant, 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice,' you would not have condemned these innocent men. For the Son of Man is Lord of the sabbath." (Mt 12:1-8)
"I desire mercy, not sacrifice." These are some of the words that Jesus uses to justify His disciples behavior. It was clear that the Pharisees were not too interested in having mercy on a bunch of hungry men, instead they were only out to uphold their version of the sabbath. Jesus points out that they are quick to condemn, and instead they need to be quick with mercy.
We must remember that love is the greatest of all virtues, it should be the paradigm of which we work out of. If the Pharisees had been working with the mindset of love, then they would have had mercy for the disciples; and we can bet that a whole lot of other things would not have happened as well. Because their hearts were closed off to love they were not able to have mercy, nor were they able to recognize that God, who is love, is right before them.
We are here on this earth to love and be loved, that is our purpose. While there is nothing wrong with sacrifice (Lord knows we could all stand to do a little more of it), it cannot supersede love and mercy.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all of your blessings in our lives. We were created by you and for you, help us to always recognize our need for you. Help us to always remember that everything we have is yours, help us to be good stewards of this life that you give us. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7.15.2010
Take my Yoke
Readings for Thursday July 14, 2010
Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102
Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Mt 11:28-30)
The cold hard truth is that this world can really do a number on us. Sometimes we get beat up, knocked down, kicked, and pushed around (and I am not just talking physically physically). Sometimes in this life we can go through so many hardships and challenges that it really makes us lose focus of what's important. When we try to only survive in this world, it can be very easy for us to become restless in our hearts. All praises be to Him who came to take away that restlessness; instead He offers us His peace.
Jesus offers us a chance for peace, a chance away from the turmoil and devastation that the world brings. Until we embrace His yoke, we will only find restlessness, and we will never find peace and rest. Today let us reflect on today's gospel and the words of Saint Augustine: "Our heart is restless until it rests in you."
Our lives are meant to be a reflection of God's love, may we model our lives after the Lord.
Father above, we thank you and give you praise for this day. Lord, please give us the courage to live for you, and to have a meek and humble heart. Lord, you are our rock and salvation, help us to never veer away from you. Lord, we pray for all of those who are restless, may they find peace and love in your arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Saint Bonaventure, bishop and doctor of the Church
First Reading: Isaiah 26:7-9,12,16-19
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 102
Gospel: Matthew 11:28-30
Jesus said: "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am meek and humble of heart; and you will find rest for yourselves. For my yoke is easy, and my burden light." (Mt 11:28-30)
The cold hard truth is that this world can really do a number on us. Sometimes we get beat up, knocked down, kicked, and pushed around (and I am not just talking physically physically). Sometimes in this life we can go through so many hardships and challenges that it really makes us lose focus of what's important. When we try to only survive in this world, it can be very easy for us to become restless in our hearts. All praises be to Him who came to take away that restlessness; instead He offers us His peace.
Jesus offers us a chance for peace, a chance away from the turmoil and devastation that the world brings. Until we embrace His yoke, we will only find restlessness, and we will never find peace and rest. Today let us reflect on today's gospel and the words of Saint Augustine: "Our heart is restless until it rests in you."
Our lives are meant to be a reflection of God's love, may we model our lives after the Lord.
Father above, we thank you and give you praise for this day. Lord, please give us the courage to live for you, and to have a meek and humble heart. Lord, you are our rock and salvation, help us to never veer away from you. Lord, we pray for all of those who are restless, may they find peace and love in your arms. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7.14.2010
Meet the Family
Readings for Wednesday July 14, 2010
Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
First Reading: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 94
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." (Mt 11:25-27)
I remember the first time that I introduced my wife (girlfriend at the time) to my family. We met at a restaurant, and I had invited her and only told my parents that I was going to bring a guest. It is always an interesting thing when you first introduce a significant other to your family. You always wonder how they will interact with each other. You might fear that someone will say the wrong thing and offend another person. You want the family to see the same spectacular qualities that you see in the person. Meeting the family is an important step in a relationship, because it is the family that is an extension of that person. If we want to really know the person, then we must get to know the family.
We were created by and meant for God. We were meant to know Him and form a personal relationship with Him. If we are to know God, then we must get acquainted with His family. We must know the trinity; one God, three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. We must know and follow Jesus, the beloved Son. We must ask to know the Father, who Jesus tells us in today's that the Father is revealed by the Son. We must also know the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. The Holy Spirit is the advocate, who brings about gifts and fruits in our lives. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit for a deepening of our faith, the ability to love and for a greater understanding of the Father's will for us.
Along with knowing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; we should also get to know some of the other family members. Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was given to us as our mother by Christ on the cross (Jn 19:25-27). Mary is both Queen of Heaven and Earth, as well as our Mother. She loves each of her children, and seeks only to bring them closer to her Son Jesus. Let us pray for her intercessions and model our life after hers. Another part of God's family is the Saints and Angels who are in heaven with God. We know that God works through His angels, let us ask for their protection and ministry in this life. Let us ask for the prayers of the saints in heaven and for special graces from God.
By knowing God's family, we realize something very important ... we are never alone. This world may try to beat us down, but we come fighting back with the strength of almighty God and our family. As sons and daughters of God, it is time for us to get acquainted with the family of God.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us.
Father above, we are your sons and daughters. Made by you and for you, help our lives to reflect your love for your family. Lord, thank you for the gift of this day and for the many blessings in our lives. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us to never veer from you. We praise you for all that we are and all that we have. May we always be good stewards of this life, and may we give you glory in all things. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Memorial of Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, virgin
First Reading: Isaiah 10:5-7, 13-16
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 94
Gospel: Matthew 11:25-27
At that time Jesus exclaimed: "I give praise to you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, for although you have hidden these things from the wise and the learned you have revealed them to the childlike. Yes, Father, such has been your gracious will. All things have been handed over to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son wishes to reveal him." (Mt 11:25-27)
I remember the first time that I introduced my wife (girlfriend at the time) to my family. We met at a restaurant, and I had invited her and only told my parents that I was going to bring a guest. It is always an interesting thing when you first introduce a significant other to your family. You always wonder how they will interact with each other. You might fear that someone will say the wrong thing and offend another person. You want the family to see the same spectacular qualities that you see in the person. Meeting the family is an important step in a relationship, because it is the family that is an extension of that person. If we want to really know the person, then we must get to know the family.
We were created by and meant for God. We were meant to know Him and form a personal relationship with Him. If we are to know God, then we must get acquainted with His family. We must know the trinity; one God, three persons: Father, Son, Holy Spirit. We must know and follow Jesus, the beloved Son. We must ask to know the Father, who Jesus tells us in today's that the Father is revealed by the Son. We must also know the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life. The Holy Spirit is the advocate, who brings about gifts and fruits in our lives. Let us pray to the Holy Spirit for a deepening of our faith, the ability to love and for a greater understanding of the Father's will for us.
Along with knowing the Father, Son and Holy Spirit; we should also get to know some of the other family members. Mary, the mother of Jesus, who was given to us as our mother by Christ on the cross (Jn 19:25-27). Mary is both Queen of Heaven and Earth, as well as our Mother. She loves each of her children, and seeks only to bring them closer to her Son Jesus. Let us pray for her intercessions and model our life after hers. Another part of God's family is the Saints and Angels who are in heaven with God. We know that God works through His angels, let us ask for their protection and ministry in this life. Let us ask for the prayers of the saints in heaven and for special graces from God.
By knowing God's family, we realize something very important ... we are never alone. This world may try to beat us down, but we come fighting back with the strength of almighty God and our family. As sons and daughters of God, it is time for us to get acquainted with the family of God.
Blessed Kateri Tekakwitha, pray for us.
Father above, we are your sons and daughters. Made by you and for you, help our lives to reflect your love for your family. Lord, thank you for the gift of this day and for the many blessings in our lives. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us to never veer from you. We praise you for all that we are and all that we have. May we always be good stewards of this life, and may we give you glory in all things. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7.13.2010
Firm Foundation
Readings for Tuesday July 13, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24
Then the LORD said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shear-jashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller's field, and say to him: Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail before these two stumps of smoldering brands the blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans, and of the son Remaliah, because of the mischief that Aram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, plots against you, saying, "Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force, and appoint the son of Tabeel king there."
Thus says the LORD: This shall not stand, it shall not be! Damascus is the capital of Aram, and Rezin is the head of Damascus; Samaria is the capital of Ephraim, and Remaliah's son the head of Samaria.
But within sixty years and five, Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation. Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm! (Is 7:3-9)
Imagine you are building a house. You have the plans all drawn up, you have all the materials, you have all the help you will need, and of course the perfect space for your house to built upon. Now obviously, since you are building a house, the first thing that you want to do is lay a foundation. What would you use for a foundation ... sand, gravel, marshmallows? Of course not, you would use concrete to lay a solid foundation. Because without a firm foundation, your house will not stay standing.
"Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" These are the words of the prophet Isaiah in today's first reading. We recognize the importance of a firm foundation when it comes to building a house, but when it comes to our lives, sometimes we don't see the importance of a firm foundation. And what is it that the foundation of our lives should be built upon? One of the things is faith. If our faith is strong, then we will be strong. It is our faith in Christ that keeps us going, it is our faith that helps us to have courage and to persevere in this life. If we do not know where we stand, then we will fall for anything. We must stand with the Lord, we must build our lives around Him.
If we are willing to build our life around the Lord and to truly believe in Him and to follow Him no matter what; then we will have a firm foundation. If we have a firm foundation of faith, then we ourselves will be firm.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, help increase our faith so that we will not hesitate to follow you where ever you may lead us. Help us to be firm in this life by having a firm foundation. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us never to stray away from you. We pray for all those who are spiritually lost and fallen away, may they find peace in your arms. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 7:1-9
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm
Gospel: Matthew 11:20-24
Then the LORD said to Isaiah: Go out to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shear-jashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller's field, and say to him: Take care you remain tranquil and do not fear; let not your courage fail before these two stumps of smoldering brands the blazing anger of Rezin and the Arameans, and of the son Remaliah, because of the mischief that Aram, Ephraim and the son of Remaliah, plots against you, saying, "Let us go up and tear Judah asunder, make it our own by force, and appoint the son of Tabeel king there."
Thus says the LORD: This shall not stand, it shall not be! Damascus is the capital of Aram, and Rezin is the head of Damascus; Samaria is the capital of Ephraim, and Remaliah's son the head of Samaria.
But within sixty years and five, Ephraim shall be crushed, no longer a nation. Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm! (Is 7:3-9)
Imagine you are building a house. You have the plans all drawn up, you have all the materials, you have all the help you will need, and of course the perfect space for your house to built upon. Now obviously, since you are building a house, the first thing that you want to do is lay a foundation. What would you use for a foundation ... sand, gravel, marshmallows? Of course not, you would use concrete to lay a solid foundation. Because without a firm foundation, your house will not stay standing.
"Unless your faith is firm you shall not be firm!" These are the words of the prophet Isaiah in today's first reading. We recognize the importance of a firm foundation when it comes to building a house, but when it comes to our lives, sometimes we don't see the importance of a firm foundation. And what is it that the foundation of our lives should be built upon? One of the things is faith. If our faith is strong, then we will be strong. It is our faith in Christ that keeps us going, it is our faith that helps us to have courage and to persevere in this life. If we do not know where we stand, then we will fall for anything. We must stand with the Lord, we must build our lives around Him.
If we are willing to build our life around the Lord and to truly believe in Him and to follow Him no matter what; then we will have a firm foundation. If we have a firm foundation of faith, then we ourselves will be firm.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with. Lord, help increase our faith so that we will not hesitate to follow you where ever you may lead us. Help us to be firm in this life by having a firm foundation. Lord, you are our rock and our salvation, help us never to stray away from you. We pray for all those who are spiritually lost and fallen away, may they find peace in your arms. We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7.12.2010
Answer the Call
Readings for Monday July 12, 2010
First Reading: Isaiah 1:10-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1
Jesus said to his Apostles: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household."
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." (Mt 10:34-42)
After injustices and attacks on one's country, many men and women will typically enlist in the military to fight these injustices. Two big instances in the United States were Pearl Harbor during World War II, and after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Both of these events saw great destruction and the loss of many lives, and because of these injustices, many American men and women stepped up to answer the call to defend their country.
In today's gospel, Jesus is addressing His disciples asking them to answer the call. He is telling them that it will not be easy, for He did not come to bring peace, but rather the sword. This calling to life as a disciple will bring about many hardships; it will put them at odds with those closest to them, it will ask that they put God above everything else, and that they take up their cross daily and follow Christ. As you can see, this calling is not for the faint of heart. We can only imagine what was racing through the disciples minds at that time. I am sure that many of them at the time had thoughts of running away, but thankfully, by God's grace, they stayed and answered the call.
Jesus is asking us to answer the call as well. The truth is that our world is hurting, their is brokenness and injustices everywhere. We need to step up and answer the call to a faithful Christian life. It will be hard, and their will be many challenges and hardships along the way, but in the end will be a great reward. Jesus is quick to follow up His conditions of discipleship with the rewards that will come to those who step up and answer the call. It is the great reward of eternal life in heaven, which should be the goal of each of us.
We are each called to follow our Lord, may the Holy Spirit grant us the courage to step up and answer God's call each and every day of our lives.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with in our lives. Thank you for this great calling Lord, help us to step up and to be the faithful Catholics that you call us each to be. Lord, we praise you with all that we are, help increase our faith and to never hold back from you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Isaiah 1:10-17
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 50
Gospel: Matthew 10:34-11:1
Jesus said to his Apostles: "Do not think that I have come to bring peace upon the earth. I have come to bring not peace but the sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law; and one's enemies will be those of his household."
Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me; and whoever does not take up his cross and follow after me is not worthy of me. Whoever finds his life will lose it, and whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.
"Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives the one who sent me. Whoever receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and whoever receives a righteous man because he is righteous will receive a righteous man's reward. And whoever gives only a cup of cold water to one of these little ones to drink because he is a disciple–amen, I say to you, he will surely not lose his reward." (Mt 10:34-42)
After injustices and attacks on one's country, many men and women will typically enlist in the military to fight these injustices. Two big instances in the United States were Pearl Harbor during World War II, and after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001. Both of these events saw great destruction and the loss of many lives, and because of these injustices, many American men and women stepped up to answer the call to defend their country.
In today's gospel, Jesus is addressing His disciples asking them to answer the call. He is telling them that it will not be easy, for He did not come to bring peace, but rather the sword. This calling to life as a disciple will bring about many hardships; it will put them at odds with those closest to them, it will ask that they put God above everything else, and that they take up their cross daily and follow Christ. As you can see, this calling is not for the faint of heart. We can only imagine what was racing through the disciples minds at that time. I am sure that many of them at the time had thoughts of running away, but thankfully, by God's grace, they stayed and answered the call.
Jesus is asking us to answer the call as well. The truth is that our world is hurting, their is brokenness and injustices everywhere. We need to step up and answer the call to a faithful Christian life. It will be hard, and their will be many challenges and hardships along the way, but in the end will be a great reward. Jesus is quick to follow up His conditions of discipleship with the rewards that will come to those who step up and answer the call. It is the great reward of eternal life in heaven, which should be the goal of each of us.
We are each called to follow our Lord, may the Holy Spirit grant us the courage to step up and answer God's call each and every day of our lives.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, thank you for all that you have blessed us with in our lives. Thank you for this great calling Lord, help us to step up and to be the faithful Catholics that you call us each to be. Lord, we praise you with all that we are, help increase our faith and to never hold back from you. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
7.09.2010
Endure to the End
Readings for Friday July 9, 2010
First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23
Jesus said to his Apostles: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." (Mt 10:16-23)
"Sending out like sheep in the midst of wolves" ... being handed "over to courts and scourged in the synagogues" ... "led before governors and kings" ... "brother handing over brother, father his child, children rising up against parents" ... "being hated." Do these descriptions of the role of a disciple sound very enticing, or do they make you want to run? To be honest, these descriptions make most of us want to run. I mean, who really wants to be beaten, put to trial and hated? Not many of us do, but we must realize that this choice to follow Christ is not an easy one, and it is certainly not a life filled with ease, but rather a difficult journey.
One thing that we should always keep in perspective is why we should follow Christ. In today's gospel, Jesus is upfront with His disciples and tells them all that they must endure for His sake; but He also make an important point to tell them why they should go through all these things. He tells them that the ones who are willing to endure all these things until the end will be saved. This is the same thing that we should remember whenever we are going through difficult things, we are enduring this so that we can spend eternity in heaven. We are doing this so that we can be saved from an eternity in hell, or better put an eternity without God's love. I think that when we keep this in mind, it puts things in perspective for us and makes things seem more doable; not that it makes it easier, just more doable.
Christ was and always will be up front with us, He does not sugar coat things or tell us one thing only to give us another. We will all be okay if we are willing to keep this one thing in mind: living a life for and with Christ is never easy, but it is worth it.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you for our lives, help us to continue to persevere in this life for you. Lord, we give you glory for all that we are and all that we have. Help us to stay straight on the path that you have laid before us, help us to endure until the end. Lord, we pray for an end to abortion, and that all youth might come to value life and realize their special dignity. We also pray for all the poor souls in purgatory. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
First Reading: Hosea 14:2-10
Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 51
Gospel: Matthew 10:16-23
Jesus said to his Apostles: "Behold, I am sending you like sheep in the midst of wolves; so be shrewd as serpents and simple as doves. But beware of men, for they will hand you over to courts and scourge you in their synagogues, and you will be led before governors and kings for my sake as a witness before them and the pagans. When they hand you over, do not worry about how you are to speak or what you are to say. You will be given at that moment what you are to say. For it will not be you who speak but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. Brother will hand over brother to death, and the father his child; children will rise up against parents and have them put to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but whoever endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in one town, flee to another. Amen, I say to you, you will not finish the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes." (Mt 10:16-23)
"Sending out like sheep in the midst of wolves" ... being handed "over to courts and scourged in the synagogues" ... "led before governors and kings" ... "brother handing over brother, father his child, children rising up against parents" ... "being hated." Do these descriptions of the role of a disciple sound very enticing, or do they make you want to run? To be honest, these descriptions make most of us want to run. I mean, who really wants to be beaten, put to trial and hated? Not many of us do, but we must realize that this choice to follow Christ is not an easy one, and it is certainly not a life filled with ease, but rather a difficult journey.
One thing that we should always keep in perspective is why we should follow Christ. In today's gospel, Jesus is upfront with His disciples and tells them all that they must endure for His sake; but He also make an important point to tell them why they should go through all these things. He tells them that the ones who are willing to endure all these things until the end will be saved. This is the same thing that we should remember whenever we are going through difficult things, we are enduring this so that we can spend eternity in heaven. We are doing this so that we can be saved from an eternity in hell, or better put an eternity without God's love. I think that when we keep this in mind, it puts things in perspective for us and makes things seem more doable; not that it makes it easier, just more doable.
Christ was and always will be up front with us, He does not sugar coat things or tell us one thing only to give us another. We will all be okay if we are willing to keep this one thing in mind: living a life for and with Christ is never easy, but it is worth it.
Father above, we thank you and praise you for the gift of this day. Lord, we praise you and thank you for our lives, help us to continue to persevere in this life for you. Lord, we give you glory for all that we are and all that we have. Help us to stay straight on the path that you have laid before us, help us to endure until the end. Lord, we pray for an end to abortion, and that all youth might come to value life and realize their special dignity. We also pray for all the poor souls in purgatory. We ask this all through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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